Republic Services Workers Vote to Strike for Fair Contract in Arizona

Republic Services Workers in Buckeye Vote Unanimously to Strike

In the heart of Arizona, landfill workers employed by Republic Services are determined to secure fair treatment and respect at their workplace. After joining forces with Teamsters Local 104 earlier this year, these workers have now taken a decisive step by unanimously voting in favor of a strike.

The workers' push for a fair contract has not been without hurdles. Shortly after their vote, they lodged an unfair labor practice charge, citing deteriorating treatment from management. Daniel Freitag, a steward and employee of two years, expressed their frustration: “We unionized with the Teamsters because this company refused to give us the respect we deserve. Treatment from management has only gotten worse as we’ve tried to bargain in good faith for a first agreement. It’s unacceptable. If they want a fight, they’re moving in the right direction.”

Operating at the Buckeye Landfill, the Teamsters are situated near Republic Services’ corporate headquarters in Phoenix, serving communities like Maricopa and Buckeye. Karla Schumann, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 104, stated, “Our members will not stand for Republic’s bullying and mismanagement. These workers want nothing more than to clock in and be treated and compensated fairly. They will not settle for anything less. They’ve made that clear with this unanimous strike authorization vote. The ball is in Republic’s court.”

This strike action echoes a similar event last year when Republic Services faced a nationwide strike from hundreds of Teamsters, resulting in a $50 million loss for the company's shareholders, as acknowledged by Republic itself. (source)

Victor Mineros, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division, reinforced the union's support, stating, “These courageous workers do not stand alone. The entire 1.3 million-member Teamsters Union is behind them 100 percent. We hoped Republic learned its lesson last year. But if they want to try their luck against the Teamsters again, they know where to find us.”

Established in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents a diverse membership of 1.3 million individuals across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. For further details, visit Teamster.org. Stay updated by following them on X and Facebook.